Introduction to Holdem | Pocket Card Selection | The Flop | The Turn | The River

Texas Holdem has become the most popular of all poker games online.  At any given time 24 hours a day thousands upon thousands of real money Texas Holdem games are being played online.
Although Texas Holdem looks and plays very simply, many poker experts belive it is the most complex of poker games.  Many top poker pro's have been quoted as saying "Texas Holdem takes minutes to learn, but a lifetime to master"

The action in Texas Holdem is fast and furious, particulary in No Limit Holdem, where players can bet there entire stack at any time.

This website is intended to give an indepth insight into the strategy of Texas Holdem online.  For both beginners and seasoned pro's there will be something for everyone.
So to start off let me give you an insight into the the positions around the table.

The Button
The button represents the dealer. The button moves clockwise around the table after each hand, and the player

The Blinds
To force the action Texas Holdem has a small blind and big blind, players situated to the left of the button.  Both of these players are forced to put in a certain amount of chips (ie cash!) before the cards are dealt.  The amount these players have to put in depends on the table limits, tournament structure etc etc.

The Deal and Betting Rounds
Starting with the first player to the left of the button, each player is dealt 2 cards, called pocket cards.  The first two players to the left of the button posts the blinds. The first action after the deal is taken by the player to the left of the big blind.  He and subsequent players can choose to call the big blinds bet, fold or raise.

The Flop
The flop is 3 cards laid face up in the center of the table.  These cards serve as common cards.  Another round of betting ensues, with the first remaining player to the left of the button starting the action.

The Turn
A single card is laid face up, next to the flop, for a total of 4 cards face up.  Another betting round occurs, starting with the first player remaining to the left of the button.
The River
A final card is turned face up, bringing the total number of common cards face up on the board to 5.  A final round of betting occurs, starting with the first player remaining to the left of the button.

Showdown
After betting is complete and if more than two players remain, a showdown occurs in which the winner is determined by the best five card hand possible using the 5 common cards and each players' pocket cards.  It is entirely possible for the best hand to be completely “on the board,” in which case the remaining players split the pot.  It is also possible to have a “tie” in which the players with the same hand strengths split the pot.
After the showdown, the button moves one person clockwise, and the next hand is dealt.

And that's it The basics of texas holdem!  Like I said a few minutes to learn- a lifetime to master.